Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango Essentials

Chichicastenango is defined by the intersection of Kʼicheʼ Maya spirituality and Spanish colonial history. This collection features the 16th-century Iglesia Santo Tomas, built on a pre-Columbian temple platform, and the nearby Pascual Abaj, a sacred hilltop shrine where traditional ceremonies occur. The town center hosts one of Central America’s largest open-air markets, specializing in hand-woven textiles and regional crafts. Architectural landmarks like the Arco Gucumatz and the neoclassical Teatro Municipal highlight the town's historical development alongside traditional Highland Guatemalan cuisine.